How much should you tip in Egypt, and where? Navigating the world of gratuities in Egypt can be tough. From taxi rides to Nile cruises, knowing when to tip is key. This guide will help you understand tipping in Egypt, so you can show your appreciation for great service.
Key Takeaways
- Tipping is a big part of Egyptian culture, helping supplement low wages.
- Customary tipping amounts vary, from 10-15% in restaurants to 100-200 Egyptian pounds per day for tour guides.
- Tipping is expected in many situations, like transportation, hotels, tours, and even public restrooms.
- Planning for tipping in Egypt can add 10-15% to your trip cost, especially for longer stays.
- Not tipping is seen as rude, so it’s crucial to know the local tipping customs.
Understanding the Importance of Tipping in Egypt
Tipping is a big deal in Egypt. It helps taxi drivers and hotel staff make more money. This custom, called “baksheesh,” is key for the tourism industry and local communities.
Why Tipping Matters in Egypt’s Economy
The tourism industry is very important in Egypt. Tipping is a big help for many workers. Even a small tip can help a lot, especially with low wages.
The Role of Tipping in Supplementing Low Wages
Tipping is a big help for workers in Egypt. It lets them earn more and support their families. Tipping is very important in Egypt, especially with low wages and changes in tourism.
“Tipping is not just a way to show appreciation for good service, but a significant part of supporting the local economy in Egypt.”
Tipping Philosophy in Egypt
In Egypt, tipping is a big part of the culture. It’s called “baksheesh.” Unlike in the U.S., where tipping is mainly for certain services, in Egypt, it’s for many things. Even small acts, like holding a door or helping with parking, might get a tip.
Tipping Frequency and Appropriate Situations
As a tourist in Egypt, it’s good to tip often, even for small things. It really helps the service workers, who don’t always earn much. But, don’t tip in awkward situations, like during a haircut or in a taxi.
Recommended Tip Amounts for Various Services
Tip amounts in Egypt vary. For one-off services, it’s usually $1 USD or less. For bigger tasks, it can be $5-$20 USD, or even more. Always be sincere and say thank you. Don’t feel forced to tip.
| Service | Recommended Tip |
| Holding a door or small service | $1 USD or less |
| Assistance with parking | $1-$2 USD |
| Home cleaning services | $5-$10 USD |
| Tour guides or private drivers | $10-$20 USD (or more) |
Tipping in Egypt shows you value the hard work of service providers. Knowing the tipping rules can make your trip better. It’s a way to show respect and gratitude.
Tipping in Restaurants and Cafes
Tipping is common in Egyptian restaurants and cafes. Many places add a 10-15% service charge. It’s also good to leave an extra 5-10% in cash for the server.
This extra tip helps the staff more. The service charge might not always go to them.
For small, casual places, rounding up the bill is nice. A small tip of $2-$3 USD is enough. But at fancier places, tip 10-15% of the bill.
For amazing service, tip even more, up to 15-20%.
Tipping Etiquette at Casual and Upscale Establishments
- Casual restaurants: Round up the bill or leave a small tip of $2-$3 USD equivalent.
- Upscale establishments: Tip 10-15% of the total bill.
- Exceptional service: Tip closer to 15-20% of the bill.
Tipping for Exceptional Service
For great service, give a bigger tip. It rewards the staff and helps the service stay good. A 15-20% tip shows you value tipping for good service in Egypt.
| Establishment Type | Typical Tip Range |
| Casual Restaurants | $2-$3 USD equivalent |
| Upscale Restaurants | 10-15% of the total bill |
| Exceptional Service | 15-20% of the total bill |
Remember, tipping in Egyptian restaurants and tipping in Egyptian cafes shows you care. It also helps the local economy.
Tipping for Transportation Services
Tipping for transportation in Egypt can vary. It depends on the service you use. Whether it’s a taxi, Uber, or private driver, knowing the local customs is key.
Tipping Taxi and Uber Drivers
Tipping taxis and Uber drivers in Egypt is optional but nice. Aim for 10-20% of the fare. Paying in Egyptian Pounds is best for the driver.
Tipping Private Drivers and Tour Vehicles
For private drivers, tip $5-$15 USD per day. Pay at the end of the day or trip. Private boats or tour vehicles get $2-$5 USD for short rides.
Tipping in Egypt shows you’re thankful for the driver’s help. Knowing the local customs ensures your tip is appreciated. This makes your trip to Egypt better.
Tipping at Hotels and Resorts
Understanding tipping at hotels and resorts in Egypt is key. Tipping hotel staff in Egypt, like housekeeping and porters, is expected. It can make your stay better.
Tipping Housekeeping and Porters
For tipping housekeeping in Egypt, leave $1 USD in Egyptian Pounds per day. Place it where it’s easy to see, like on the pillow. This ensures your room stays clean and nice.
For tipping porters in Egypt, give $1 USD per bag. Always tip the porter directly for carrying your bags. It shows you value their help.
Tipping Concierge and Valet Services
For tipping concierge in Egypt, 10-15 Egyptian Pounds is a good tip. Give it if they helped a lot with reservations or other things.
For tipping valet in Egypt, give 10-15 Egyptian Pounds when they return your car. It shows they did a good job.
Always give tips directly to the person helping you. This shows you respect and thank them for their work.
Tipping Tour Guides and Activity Providers
Tipping tour guides in Egypt shows you care about their hard work. A good tip is $15 USD per day for a group of up to 5 people. You can tip more, up to $30 USD, for amazing service or longer tours.
Even on free tours, tips are welcome. They help the guide make a living.
For activity providers like camel or carriage drivers, tip between 50 EGP to 100 EGP. Motor boats or Felucca rides get the same range. Airport transfers or helps deserve 75 EGP to 100 EGP.
| Service | Recommended Tip |
| Full-day driver | 150 EGP to 250 EGP |
| Half-day driver or airport transfer | 100 EGP to 200 EGP |
| Bellmen at hotels (check-in and check-out) | 30 EGP each |
| Tour guides (full day) | 300 EGP to 400 EGP |
| Motor boats or Felucca rides | 50 EGP to 100 EGP |
| Airport transfers or operator assists | 75 EGP to 100 EGP |
| Camel or carriage drivers | 50 EGP to 100 EGP |
Tip your tour guide as a group. Do it at the end of the tour or day. Give the tip in an envelope with a “thank you.” This shows you value their work and helps them financially.
Tipping on Nile Cruises
When you go on a Nile cruise in Egypt, tipping is key. It’s like tipping at hotels, for cleaning staff, porters, and more. For big Nile cruise ships, $10 USD per person per night is good. For smaller Dahabiya cruises, aim for $20 USD per person per night.
Tipping Etiquette on Large Cruise Ships
On big Nile cruise ships, tip about $10 USD per person each night. This money is pooled and given to the crew at the end. Some ships offer a tip box or envelope, making it easy to contribute to the crew’s earnings.
Tipping Guidelines for Dahabiya Cruises
- For smaller Dahabiya cruises, tip at least $20 USD per person each night.
- Like big ships, the tip is collected at the end and shared with the crew.
- The crew, including the captain and chef, count on these tips for extra income. So, be generous with your gratuity.
Remember, tipping is crucial for the income of service providers in Egypt. High unemployment means tips are vital. Fair tips ensure the crew is well-paid for their hard work, making your cruise unforgettable.
Tipping in Egypt: Your Guide to Gratuities
When you visit Egypt, knowing about tipping is key. Tipping helps workers who earn low wages. Knowing what to tip and how much shows respect and appreciation.
Tipping Frequency and Appropriate Situations
Tipping is expected in many situations in Egypt. This includes dining out and using transportation. Here are some examples:
- Meals in restaurants and cafes
- Taxi and Uber rides
- Private drivers and tour guides
- Hotel staff, including housekeeping and porters
- Nile cruise attendants
- Massage therapists and other service providers
The right tip amount depends on the service and its quality.
Recommended Tip Amounts
Here are some tipping guidelines for Egypt:
- Restaurants and cafes: 10-15% of the total bill
- Taxi and Uber drivers: 10-20% of the fare, or round up to the nearest Egyptian Pound
- Private drivers and tour guides: 10-20% of the service cost
- Hotel staff: 20-30 Egyptian Pounds per service
- Nile cruise attendants: $10-$20 USD per person per night
- Massage therapists: 10-15% of the treatment price
Remember, these are just guidelines. You can adjust the tip based on the service quality.
Currency Considerations
Use Egyptian Pounds for tipping in Egypt. The value of the pound changes often. Using US dollars or Euros might not be as good.
Carrying small bills in Egyptian Pounds makes tipping easier. This way, you help the local economy and show respect to service providers.
By using this tipping guide, you can tip correctly in Egypt. This ensures service providers are fairly paid. It also makes your trip better.
Currency Considerations for Tipping in Egypt
When you tip in Egypt, think about the best currency to use. The local Egyptian Pound (EGP) is usually the top choice. But, US Dollars or Euros work too in many places.
Tipping in US Dollars, Euros, or Egyptian Pounds
The Egyptian Pound is the best for tips, as it’s widely used and liked by service people. But, US Dollars and Euros are okay in places for tourists. Make sure to have small bills for easy tipping.
Avoiding the Use of $1 Bills for Tipping
Try not to use $1 bills for tips in Egypt. They’re hard to exchange or use because of currency shortages. Use bigger bills or Egyptian Pounds instead for easier use.